With a thriving gay community, Asbury Park is one of the country’s up-and-coming gay destinations. This beach destination had fallen into disrepair, but Asbury Park and its stock of faded Victorian houses were rediscovered by gay people and brought back to life during this past decade.

Many gays live in this tiny town year-round, but it’s especially popular in the summer, when locals throw party after party and folks from the New York metro area flock here. Look for local events like Jersey Pride in early June.

Asbury Park does not have a gay beach per se, but the 5th Avenue Beach just south of Convention Hall has the highest concentration of gay men. The closest gay beach is 20 minutes away at Gunnison Beach in Sandy Hook. This beach has a nude section too.

Getting here

Many people drive to Asbury Park, as it’s just 60 miles south of New York City. There are also frequent trains and buses to get you in and out: see NJTransit for trains and Academy Bus.